The first two F1 practice sessions at Suzuka were disrupted by heavy rain. This was a blow for the eight F1 drivers who haven’t competed in an F1 race weekend at the circuit and badly needed time to acclimatise. But it should make for an unpredictable qualifying session tomorrow.

Kamui Kobayashi made his first appearance in an official F1 session, substituting for the unwell Timo Glock and Toyota. Red Bull and Renault are sporting some new sponsorship stickers – and the latter have gotten round to taking ING and Mutua Madrilena off their team clothing as well.

Here are some dramatic pictures of the cars kicking up vast clouds of spray at the fabulous Suzuka circuit.